JP6709698B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a game.

As a gaming machine, a predetermined bet number is set, and based on a start operation being performed, a slot machine in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed, a gaming medium such as a gaming ball, etc. is played by a launching device. There is a pachinko game machine or the like in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed when a game medium is won in a starting area such as a winning opening provided in the game area.

As an example of such a gaming machine, the value of the interrupt counter is updated in the timer interrupt process that interrupts the main process for advancing the game, and the value of the interrupt counter is used in the interrupt synchronous process performed in the spinning cylinder stop control process executed in the main process. Has been proposed, which recognizes that the timer interrupt processing has been executed when it is determined that it has been updated, and performs synchronization (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5901673

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to separately provide an interrupt counter for determining execution of timer interrupt processing, and there is a problem that the data storage capacity increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can determine the occurrence of an interrupt while reducing the data storage capacity.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention,
A gaming machine for playing a game (for example, a slot machine 1, a pachinko gaming machine),
Game control processing execution means (for example, processing of steps Sa2 to Sa24, Sd1 to Sd6 executed by the main control unit 41) that executes game control processing (for example, start processing (main), game processing) that performs control related to the game, and ,
With an interrupt process executing means (for example, the process of steps Sk1 to Sk26 executed by the main control unit 41) that interrupts the game control process being executed and executes an interrupt process (for example, a timer interrupt process (main)). ,
In association with the execution of the interrupt process, process identification information for updating process identification information (for example, a branch counter) for identifying a process (for example, timer interrupts 1 to 4) executed in the interrupt process. Update means (for example, the process of step Sk5 executed by the main control unit 41),
A process selecting unit that selects a process corresponding to the process identification information as a process to be executed in the interrupt process (for example, steps Sk6, Sk8, and Sk18 executed by the main control unit 41);
In the game control process, an interrupt wait process (one interrupt wait process, two interrupts) that waits until the interrupt process is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, once, twice, four times, n times) An interrupt standby process executing means (for example, a process of steps S101 to S104 executed by the main control unit 41) for executing a waiting process, an interrupt four times waiting process, and an interrupt n times waiting process.
An interrupt determination unit that determines whether or not the interrupt process is executed in the interrupt standby process (for example, the process of step S104 executed by the main control unit 41),
The interrupt determination means determines whether or not the interrupt process is executed by determining whether or not the process identification information is updated (for example, the main control unit 41 executes the process of step S104). Do).

With such a configuration, the process identification information used for selecting the process to be executed in the interrupt process can also be used to determine whether or not the interrupt process is executed in the interrupt standby process. , It is possible to determine the occurrence of an interrupt while reducing the data storage capacity as compared with a gaming machine that separately uses determination information for determining whether or not the interrupt processing is executed in the interrupt standby processing.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
In the interrupt standby process, an interrupt permission setting unit that performs interrupt permission setting that permits execution of the interrupt process every time the interrupt determination unit determines whether the process identification information is updated (for example, The processing of step S101 executed by the main control unit 41) may be further included.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unexpected situation in which execution of the interrupt process is restricted when an interrupt occurs in the interrupt standby process.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above,
Random number updating means for updating a random number used in the game control processing (for example, a main control section) while the interrupt determination means determines whether or not the processing identification information has been updated in the interrupt standby processing. 41 may further include the process of step S102 executed by 41).

With such a configuration, the efficiency of updating the random number can be improved as compared with the gaming machine that does not update the random number during execution of the interrupt waiting process.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The processing executed in the interrupt processing includes processing executed every time an interrupt occurs (for example, processing before branching to timer interrupts 1 to 4, normal time command transmission processing) and a predetermined number of interrupts. Processing executed each time it occurs (for example, processing after branching to timer interrupts 1 to 4, switch input determination processing, command transmission processing, external output signal update processing),
The interrupt standby processing execution means may execute the interrupt standby processing in order to ensure the execution of the processing executed each time the interrupt occurs (for example, the main control unit 41 causes steps Sb8 and Sb9). May be executed).

With such a configuration, it is possible to advance the game control process while ensuring that the process executed every time an interrupt occurs among the processes executed in the interrupt process is executed.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The interrupt process execution means, as a process to be executed in the interrupt process, monitors an input state of an input signal from the outside, and stores an input information storage process for storing input information indicating a result of the input state (for example, Switch input determination processing) (for example, the main control unit 41 executes the processing of step Sk21),
The interrupt standby processing execution means may execute the interrupt standby processing until the input state is determined by referring to the input information in the game control processing (for example, the main controller 41 switches various switches). The processes of steps S101 to S104 may be executed before performing the operation determination).

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent excessive reference to the stored input information.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The interrupt process execution means monitors the output state of an output signal to the outside as a process executed in the interrupt process, and stores an output information indicating a result of the output state (for example, an output information storage process). External output signal update processing) (for example, the main control unit 41 executes the processing of step Sk17),
The interrupt standby processing execution means may execute the interrupt standby processing after generating the data of the output signal in the game control processing (for example, the main control unit 41 outputs data for an external output signal). After the setting, the processes of steps S101 to S104 may be executed).

With such a configuration, it is possible to proceed with the game control process while ensuring that the output signal is output.

(7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
The interrupt process execution means executes a control information transmission process (for example, a command transmission process) for transmitting control information to the outside as a process executed in the interrupt process (for example, the main control unit 41 performs step Sk16). Process),
The interrupt standby processing execution means may execute the interrupt standby processing after generating the control information in the game control processing (for example, the main control unit 41 generates a command and sets it in the command buffer). The processes of steps S101 to S104 may be executed later, or the main control unit 41 may execute the processes of steps Sb5 to Sb9 and S101 to S104).

With such a configuration, it is possible to ensure that the control information has been transmitted and proceed with the game control processing.

(8) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
A storage unit (for example, a RAM 41c) capable of holding information generated when performing the game control processing for a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped,
Initialization means (for example, processing of steps Sa9, Sa15, Sa19 executed by the main control unit 41) for executing initialization processing (for example, initialization 1 to 4) for initializing the stored contents of the storage means;
The initialization process further includes an interrupt permission setting unit (for example, processes of steps Sa14, Sa18, Sa24, and S101 executed by the main control unit 41) that performs an interrupt permission setting that permits execution of the interrupt process. ,
The initialization unit may initialize the information used in the interrupt process before the interrupt permission setting is performed in the initialization process (for example, the main control unit 41 performs steps Sa9, Sa15, Sa19). The processing of Sa14, Sa18, and Sa24 may be executed after the processing).

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the unintended interrupt process from being executed without initializing the information used in the interrupt process even though the initialization process is executed.

(9) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (8) above,
A game control means for controlling the game (for example, the main control section 41),
An effect control unit (for example, a sub control unit 91) that performs an effect based on control information (for example, a command) transmitted from the game control unit,
Derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated by the player to derive the display result,
An operation mode notification means (for example, a process in which the main control unit 41 executes navigation notification, the sub control unit 91) that can notify the operation mode (for example, the pushing order, the stop order) of the derivation operation means in a distinguishable manner. And a process for executing a navigation effect),
The game control means,
A pre-determination unit (for example, an internal lottery process executed by the main control unit 41) that determines a display result that is allowed to be derived before the display result is derived;
Advantageous advantage for the player when the determination result of the pre-determination means becomes a notification target result (for example, notification target combination, AT combination, push order combination, push order replay, push order bell) to be notified An informing state control means (for example, a process in which the main control unit 41 controls the AT) to control an informing state (for example, AT) in which an operation mode (for example, the correct pressing order, a stop order advantageous to the player) is informed. ,
Specific control information transmitting means (for example, a main control unit) that transmits specific control information (for example, a first internal winning command, a second internal winning command) regarding the determination result of the pre-determining means to the effect control means. 41 executes the processing of steps Sf1 to Sf12),
The specific control information transmitting means, regardless of whether or not the notification state is controlled, when the determination result of the pre-determining means is the notification target result, the fact that the notification target result is The specific control information that can be specified but cannot specify the advantageous operation mode may be transmitted to the effect control means (for example, the main control unit 41 executes the processes of steps Sf4 to Sf10 to perform the second internal winning). The command may be transmitted to the sub control unit 91).

According to such a configuration, in the configuration including the game control means and the effect control means, and the information regarding the determination result of the pre-determination means is specified from the specific control information transmitted from the game control means, on the game control means side. The operation procedure notification means controls the notification state to notify the advantageous operation procedure advantageous to the player, and the game control means notifies the determination result of the pre-determination means regardless of whether or not the game control means is controlled to the notification state. When the target result is obtained, specific control information that can specify that the notification result has been obtained but cannot specify the advantageous operation mode is transmitted to the effect control means, so the game control means controls the notification state. Regardless of whether or not the specific control information determines the advantageous operation procedure according to the determination result of the pre-determination means, it is possible to simplify the processing related to the transmission of the specific control information, and the production control means side. It is possible to prevent the advantageous operation mode from being notified in a state where the notification state is not controlled even if a fraudulent operation is performed.

(10) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (9) above,
A game control means for controlling the game (for example, the main control section 41),
An effect control unit (for example, a sub control unit 91) that performs an effect based on control information (for example, a command) transmitted from the game control unit,
Derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated by the player to derive the display result,
An operation mode notification means (for example, a process in which the main control unit 41 executes navigation notification, the sub control unit 91) that can notify the operation mode (for example, the pushing order, the stop order) of the derivation operation unit And a process for executing a navigation effect),
The game control means,
A pre-determination unit (for example, an internal lottery process executed by the main control unit 41) that determines a display result that is allowed to be derived before the display result is derived;
Numerical value setting means (for example, a special winning combination number table and a general winning combination number table) for setting different numerical values (for example, winning numbers) for each determination result of the pre-determining means (ROM 41b) )When,
Predetermined control means (for example, main control) that performs predetermined control (for example, internal winning flag setting, navigation notification, command creation, reel 2L, 2C, 2R stop control, etc.) according to the numerical value set by the numerical value setting means. Each process such as internal win flag setting, navigation notification, command creation, reel 2L, 2C, 2R stop control, etc., which is executed by the unit 41),
Advantageous advantage for the player when the determination result of the pre-determination means becomes a notification target result (for example, notification target combination, AT combination, push order combination, push order replay, push order bell) to be notified An informing state control means (for example, a process in which the main control unit 41 controls the AT) to control an informing state (for example, AT) in which an operation mode (for example, the correct pressing order, a stop order advantageous to the player) is informed. ,
Specific control information transmitting means (for example, a main control unit) that transmits specific control information (for example, a first internal winning command, a second internal winning command) regarding the determination result of the pre-determining means to the effect control means. 41 executes the processing of steps Sf1 to Sf12),
As the numerical value set by the numerical value setting means when the result of the notification is obtained, a continuous numerical value in a predetermined numerical value range (for example, 2 to 19, 23 to 34) is assigned (for example, the pressing order). 2 to 19 are assigned to the replay and 23 to 34 are assigned to the push order bell.),
The specific control information transmitting means, at least in a state other than the notification state, when the numerical value set by the numerical value setting means is within the predetermined numerical range, it is possible to specify that the notification target result You may transmit the said specific control information which cannot identify the said advantageous operation mode with respect to the said production|generation control means (for example, the main control part 41 performs the process of step Sf4-Sf10, and a 2nd internal winning command is a sub. It may be transmitted to the control unit 91).

According to such a configuration, in the configuration including the game control means and the effect control means, and the information regarding the determination result of the pre-determination means is specified from the specific control information transmitted from the game control means, on the game control means side. When the operating procedure informing means controls the informing state in which the advantageous operating procedure advantageous to the player is informed, and the game control means is at least in a state other than the informing state, when the determination result of the pre-determining means is the informing target result. In addition, because the specific control information that can specify that the notification result has been obtained but cannot specify the advantageous operation mode is transmitted to the effect control means, regardless of whether the game control means controls the notification state. Since the advantageous control procedure according to the determination result of the pre-determination means is not specified from the specific control information, the advantageous operation mode is notified in a state where the production control means is not controlled to the notification state even if a fraud is made. It can be prevented from being done. Further, as the numerical value set by the numerical value setting means when the notification target result is obtained, a continuous numerical value within a predetermined numerical range is assigned, and the game control means determines whether or not the notification target result. Since it is possible to determine whether or not the numerical value used when performing the predetermined control is within the predetermined numerical value range assigned to the notification target result, it is possible to simplify the process when transmitting the specific control information.

In the gaming machine of (9) or (10), the operation mode of the derivation operation means is either one of a plurality of different operation timings or a plurality of operation sequences. The operation mode in which the operation is performed in the operation order, the operation mode by a combination of these, and the like are applicable.

(11) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (10) above,
A first control means (main control unit 41),
A second control unit (sub-control unit 91) for performing control according to the control information received from the first control unit,
The first control means is
A control data creating means for creating a specific number (2 bytes) of control data (MODE, EXT) forming one control information (command) and storing the control data in a storage area (command queue);
The control data (MODE, EXT) stored in the storage area (command queue) for each predetermined cycle (timer interrupt processing (main)) is divided into a predetermined number (1 byte) smaller than a specific number (2 bytes). Control data transmission means (normal-time command transmission processing) for transmitting to the second control means (sub-control unit 91);
After the control data creating unit stores a specific number (2 bytes) of control data (MODE, EXT) in the storage area (command queue), the control data transmitting unit (normal command transmission process) stores a specific number (2 bytes). ) Of the control data (MODE, EXT) may be included for a period (a period of two timer interrupts) required to transmit the control data (MODE, EXT).

According to such a feature, the first control means creates a specific number of pieces of control data forming one piece of control information, stores the control data in the storage area, and stores the control data stored in the storage area at predetermined intervals. Is transmitted to the second control means by a predetermined number smaller than the specific number, when the specific number of control data is stored in the storage area, control is performed until the standby means transmits the specific number of control data. Since the new control data is prevented from being stored in the storage area by waiting the progress of the control, the storage area does not overflow due to the newly created control data, and the control information is transferred to the second control means. It can be reliably sent to the user.

In the gaming machine of the above (11), the first control means may be a control means for controlling the game, or a control other than the control for the game, for example, a control means for controlling the effect. You may. Further, the second control means may be any control means for performing some control based on the control information transmitted from the first control means, for example, the first control means is a control means for controlling the game. In some cases, the control means that controls the effect based on the control information transmitted from the first control means may be the second control means, or the first control means may be the control means that controls the effect. In some cases, the control unit that controls the effect device based on the control information transmitted from the first control unit may be the second control unit. Further, the control data transmitting means may be configured to transmit by software or hardware, as long as it is configured to transmit the control data stored in the storage area every predetermined period.

It is a front view of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied. It is an internal structure diagram of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement of a reel. It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a slot machine. 6 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a startup process (main) executed by a main control unit. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of control of the game processing which a main control part performs. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of control of BET processing which a main control part performs. 8 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 7. 6 is a flowchart showing the control content of reel rotation processing executed by the main control unit. 6 is a flowchart showing control contents of timer interrupt processing (main) executed by a main control unit. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of control of electric power interruption processing (main) which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the once interruption waiting process which a main control part performs. It is a figure which shows an example of (A) special part winning number table, and (B) an example of a general part winning number table. 9 is a flowchart showing the control contents of an internal winning command setting process executed by the main control unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a control state command according to the third embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a control status command batch setting process executed by the main control unit according to the third embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
A first embodiment of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. A slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 1a having an open front surface and a rotatable side end of the housing 1a. And a front door 1b pivotally supported by. Inside the housing 1a, as shown in FIG. 2, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so that they can be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b.

As shown in FIG. 3, "black 7", "net 7 (hatched 7 in the figure)", "white 7", "BAR", "replay" are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively. A plurality of kinds of mutually distinguishable patterns such as “plum”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell”, and “orange” are drawn in a predetermined order, 21 pieces each. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3 provided substantially in the center of the reel panel 1c of the front door 1b. The reels 2L, 2C, 2R are provided in correspondence with each other and are rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 4) so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are continuously displayed on the see-through window 3. While being displayed while changing, by stopping the rotation of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the see-through window 3 as a display result. Inside the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R that detect the reference position for each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and a reel LED 55 that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from the back side are provided. , Are provided. The reel LED 55 is composed of 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and each symbol can be independently illuminated.

The front door 1b is provided with a medal insertion portion 4, a medal payout opening 9, a MAXBET switch 6, a settlement switch 10, a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and a production switch 56, which can be operated by the player. ing. Further, the front door 1b has a game display unit 13 provided with a credit indicator 11, a game auxiliary indicator 12, a 1BETLED 14, a 2BETLED 15, a 3BETLED 16, an input request LED 17, a start valid LED 18, a wait LED 19, and a replay LED 20. It is provided. Inside the MAXBET switch 6, a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 4) is provided, and inside the stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R, left, middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C and 22R (see FIG. 4). (See each) are provided.
Inside the front door 1b, a reset switch 23, a set value display 24, a stop switch 36a, an automatic settlement switch 36b, a flow path switching solenoid 30, a medal selector (not shown) having a inserted medal sensor 31, a door opening detection A switch 25 (see FIG. 4) is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the casing 1a includes a reel unit 2 including reel sensors 33L, 33C and 33R (see FIG. 4), an external output substrate 1000, a hopper tank 34a, a hopper motor 34b, and a payout sensor 34c. A hopper unit 34 and a power supply box 100 are provided. An overflow tank 35 is provided on the side of the hopper unit 34. Inside the overflow tank 35, a full tank sensor 35a is provided, and when the conductive member comes into contact with the medals stored in the overflow tank 35 to be conductive, the amount of stored medals is stored. It is possible to detect that the quantity exceeds a certain amount, that is, the overflow tank is full. A setting key switch 37, a reset/setting switch 38, and a power switch 39 are provided on the front surface of the power box 100.

When playing a game in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, a medal is inserted from the medal insertion section 4 or the bet number is set by using a credit by operating the MAXBET switch 6. When the specified number of bets set according to the gaming state is set, the pay line LN becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 becomes valid (a state in which the game can be started). In addition, when the maximum number of medals has been inserted among the prescribed number corresponding to the gaming state, the amount is added to the credit. The winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed on the transparent window 3 of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is a combination of winning symbols. In the present embodiment, only the pay lines LN that are set in the middle of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, that is, the pay lines LN that are set across the symbols arranged in the horizontal direction in the middle are defined as the pay lines. In addition, as a winning combination, when a combination of predetermined symbols defined as a combination on the pay line LN is prepared, a prize is won, and a predetermined symbol combination is provided on any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 by the predetermined symbol combination being prepared. By including a combination of symbols that is an index that is easier to recognize, a combination that includes symbols that are aligned in any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 can be included so that the winning combination can appear.

When the start operation is performed in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate, and the symbols continuously change. When the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated in this state, the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped and the display result is derived and displayed on the see-through window 3. When all reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game ends, and when a predetermined symbol combination on the pay line LN is stopped as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, A prize is generated, and the number of medals determined according to the prize is given to the player and added to the credit. When the number of credits reaches the upper limit (50), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 1). Further, in the pay line LN, when the combination of symbols accompanied by the transition of the game state is stopped as the display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, the game state is shifted to the combination of the symbols.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are rotated to start changing the symbols, one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated. When this is done, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to the stop of the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is 190 ms (millisecond). The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate 80 times per minute, and the symbols for 80×21 (the number of symbol frames per reel)=1680 frames are changed, so that a maximum of 4 symbols are drawn in 190 ms. be able to. That is, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols that are displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the symbols that are four frames ahead of the symbols, for a total of five symbols. Therefore, for example, when the symbols displayed on the lower stage of the reel when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are used as a reference, the symbols from the symbol to the fourth frame ahead are displayed on the lower stage. Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is arranged within 5 frames including the symbols displayed in the middle stage of the corresponding reel when one of the stop switches 8L, 8R is operated. The symbol can be displayed on the pay line LN.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game control board 40 controls the game state, and the effect control board 90 causes the game state. The effect according to is controlled, and the power supply board 101 generates drive power for the electric components that form the slot machine 1, and supplies the drive power to each unit. The power supply board 101 is supplied with an AC100V power supply from the outside, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electric components of the slot machine 1 is generated from the AC100V power supply, and the game control board 40 and the game control board 40. It is adapted to be supplied to the effect control board 90 connected via. In addition, a command transmission line from the main control unit 41 to the sub-control unit 91, which will be described later, and a power supply line that supplies power from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 are connected via a cable and a connector of one system. By connecting all the connectors that connect these cables to each board, each section on the production control board 90 side becomes operable and a command from the main control section 41 can be received. Become. Therefore, unless the command transmission line for transmitting a command from the main control unit 41 is connected to the effect control board 90, power is not supplied to the effect control board 90 side and only the effect control board 90 side operates. There is nothing to do. The power supply board 101 is connected to the hopper motor 34b, the payout sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, and the power supply switch 39.

On the game control board 40, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the settlement switch 10, the reset switch 23, the stop switch 36a, the automatic settlement switch 36b, the insertion medal sensor 31, and the door opening described above. The detection switch 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R are connected, and the above-mentioned payout sensor 34c, full tank sensor 35a, setting key switch 37, reset/setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 101, The detection signals of these connected switches are input. Further, on the game control board 40, the credit display 11, the game auxiliary display 12, the payout display 13, the 1 to 3 BET LEDs 14 to 16, the insertion request LED 17, the start effective LED 18, the wait LED 19, the replay LED 20, and the BET described above are provided. The switch valid LED 21, the left, middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, the set value indicator 24, the flow path switching solenoid 30, the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and the above-described power source substrate 101 is used. The hopper motor 34b is connected, and these electric parts are driven under the control of a main controller 41, which will be described later, mounted on the game control board 40.

On the game control board 40, a main control unit 41, a random number generation circuit 42, a sampling circuit 43, a switch detection circuit 44, a motor drive circuit 45, a solenoid drive circuit 46, an LED drive circuit 47, an electric power failure detection circuit 48, a reset circuit 49. Is installed.

The main controller 41 is composed of a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a main CPU 41a, a ROM 41b, a RAM 41c, and an I/O port 41d. The main control unit 41 executes a control program stored in the ROM 41b to perform processing relating to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each unit of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40.

The random number generation circuit 42 is configured by a counter that counts up and updates the value each time a predetermined number of pulses are generated, and the sampling circuit 43 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 42. The random number generation circuit 42 defines a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number, and in the present embodiment, the range is set to 0 to 65535. The main CPU 41a sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 43 according to the processing to obtain the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 42 as a random number value (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). Random numbers for internal lottery are processed by software instead of using the random numbers extracted by the hardware random number function. Further, the main CPU 41a also has a function of updating the value of a specific register by the above-mentioned timer interrupt processing (main) and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is called a software random number function). .

The switch detection circuit 44 takes in the detection signal input from the switches connected to the game control board 40 directly or via the power supply board 101 and transmits it to the main control unit 41. The motor drive circuit 45 transmits the motor drive signal output from the main controller 41 to the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R. The solenoid drive circuit 46 transmits the solenoid drive signal output from the main controller 41 to the flow path switching solenoid 30. The LED drive circuit transmits the LED drive signal output from the main controller 41 to various indicators and LEDs connected to the game control board 40. The power failure detection circuit 48 monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 and, when detecting a voltage drop, outputs a voltage drop signal to that effect to the main controller 41. The reset circuit 49 gives a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 when the power is unstable such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off.

The CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 executes a program read from the ROM 41b to execute processing for controlling the progress of the game in the slot machine 1 and the like.
As described above, in the main control unit 41, the CPU 41a executes control according to the program stored in the ROM 41b. Therefore, hereinafter, the main control unit 41 (or the CPU 41a) executes (or performs processing) means Specifically, the CPU 41a executes control according to a program. This also applies to the microcomputers mounted on boards other than the game control board 40.

The RAM 41c included in the main controller 41 provides a work area for game control. Here, at least a part of the RAM 41c may be a backup RAM backed up by a backup power supply. That is, even if the power supply to the slot machine is stopped, at least part of the contents of the RAM 41c is saved for a predetermined period. In the present embodiment, all the areas of the RAM 41c are used as backup RAMs, and even if the power supply to the slot machine is stopped, all the contents of the RAM 41c are saved for a predetermined period.
The ROM 41b included in the main control unit 41 stores various selection data, table data, and the like used for controlling the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 41b stores data that constitutes a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables, and the like prepared for the CPU 41a to make various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 41b stores table data and the like that configures a plurality of command tables used by the CPU 41a to transmit control signals which are various control commands from the game control board 40.

The main control unit 41 sends various commands to the sub control unit 91. The command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 is transmitted only in one direction, and the command is not transmitted from the sub control unit 91 to the main control unit 41. Further, the main control unit 41 receives the detection states of various switches connected to the game control board 40 from the input port. Then, the main control unit 41 executes a basic process of shifting in stages according to the detection states of various switches input from these input ports. Further, the main control unit 41 can interrupt the basic process when the interrupt occurs and execute the interrupt process. In this embodiment, a timer interrupt process (main) described later is executed at regular time intervals (in this embodiment, about 0.56 ms). Note that the execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to a time longer than the total time of the cycle of the processes that repeat according to the control state in the basic process and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main). As a result, between the present time and the next timer interrupt process (main), the process that repeats according to the control state must be completed at least once. Further, the main control unit 41 is set to prohibit other interrupts during execution of the interrupt process, and when a plurality of interrupts occur at the same time, the main controller 41 preferentially executes the interrupts in a predetermined order. An interrupt has been set. If another interrupt factor occurs during execution of the interrupt process and the interrupt factor continues even after the interrupt process ends, a new interrupt will occur at that point. It will be.

A production switch 56 is connected to the production control board 90, and a detection signal of the production switch 56 is input. Further, the production control board 90 is connected to a production device such as a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) arranged on the front door 1b of the slot machine 1, a production effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 described above. These effect devices are driven under the control of a sub-control unit 91, which will be described later, mounted on the effect control board 90. In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 controls the output of the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LEDs 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LEDs 55. However, in addition to the sub-control unit 91, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the production device is mounted on the production control board 90 or another board, and the sub-control unit 91 is based on a command from the main control unit 41. The output pattern of the rendering device may be determined, and the output control unit may control the output of the rendering device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 91 and the output control unit may be used. The output control of the rendering device is performed by both the units. In addition, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 are illustrated as the effect device, but the effect device is not limited to these, and for example, mechanically driven display. A device, a mechanically driven role object, or the like may be applied as the production device.

The effect control board 90 includes a sub CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and a I/O port 91d, which is a microcomputer including a sub control unit 91, a display control circuit 92, and an LED drive circuit 93. The audio output circuit 94, the reset circuit 95, the switch detection circuit 96, the timepiece device 97, the power failure detection circuit 98, and other circuits are mounted. The sub CPU 91a receives various commands from the game control board 40 and performs various controls for performing an effect, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90.

The reset circuit 95 is set to have a lower voltage for releasing the reset signal than the reset circuit 49 that gives the system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40, and the sub control unit 91 performs the main control when the power is turned on. It is designed to be activated earlier than the unit 41. On the other hand, the power failure detection circuit 98 is set to have a lower voltage for outputting the voltage drop signal than the power failure detection circuit 48 for outputting the voltage drop signal to the main control unit 41 in the game control board 40. In, the sub control unit 91 detects the power failure at a stage later than the main control unit 41, and performs the power interruption process (sub) described later.

Like the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 has an interrupt function, generates an interrupt when a command is received from the main control unit 41, and acquires the command transmitted from the main control unit 41. , Execute the command reception interrupt process to store in the buffer. Further, the sub-control unit 91 executes a timer interrupt process (sub), which will be described later, by generating an interrupt each time the number of input system clocks reaches a constant number, that is, at regular intervals. On the other hand, unlike the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the process even if the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed when the interrupt is generated based on the reception of the command. The command reception interrupt process is executed at 1, and the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority even if the interrupts that trigger the timer interrupt process (sub) occur simultaneously.

Further, the backup power supply is also supplied to the sub control unit 91 at the time of power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is held while the backup power supply is supplied. That is, even if the power supply to the slot machine is stopped, at least a part of the content of the RAM 91c is saved for a predetermined period. In the present embodiment, all the areas of the RAM 91c are used as backup RAMs, and even if the power supply to the slot machine is stopped, all the contents of the RAM 91c are saved for a predetermined period. In the present embodiment, all the areas of the RAM 91c are used as backup RAMs, and even if the power supply to the slot machine is stopped, all the contents of the RAM 91c are saved for a predetermined period.

[About setting value]
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the payout rate of medals changes according to the set value. Specifically, the payout rate of medals can be changed by using a winning probability according to a set value in an internal lottery, an AT (assist time) lottery, etc., which will be described later. The set value is made up of 6 levels from 1 to 6, where 6 is the highest payout rate, and the smaller the value is in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the lower the payout rate. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the advantage decreases in stages. The set value may be set in three stages of 1, 3, 6, 1, 4, H (High), or in seven stages of 1 to 7, and is not limited to six stages.

In order to change the set value, first, it is necessary to turn on the setting key switch 37 with the front door 1b opened and then turn on the power of the slot machine 1. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power is turned on, the set value read from the RAM of the main control unit 41 is displayed as a display value on the set value display 24, and the set value by operating the reset/setting switch 38 is displayed. Transition to the setting change state (setting change mode) where change operation is possible. When the reset/setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated by one (when the setting 6 is further operated, it returns to the setting 1). . Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is set as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the confirmed display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM, and the game is allowed to proceed. The setting value may not be changed unless the front door 1b is opened to prevent unauthorized setting change when the front door 1b is not opened. That is, the opening condition of the front door 1b, the operation of turning on the setting key switch 37, and the operation of the power switch 39 may be used as the condition for starting the setting change state. In this case, the setting value change state may be maintained regardless of whether the front door 1b is opened or closed until the setting key switch 37 is turned off. That is, even when the opening of the front door 1b is set as the start condition of the setting change state, the opening/closing of the front door 1b does not have to be set as the end condition of the setting change state.

Further, in order to confirm the set value, after the game is over, the front door 1b may be opened and the setting key switch 37 may be turned on in a state where the bet number is not set. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on in such a situation, the set value read out from the RAM is displayed on the set value display 24, so that the set value can be confirmed. Transition. In the setting confirmation state, the game cannot proceed, and by turning off the setting key switch 37, the setting confirmation state ends, and the game returns to the state in which the game can proceed. As with the set value change state, the set value confirmation state prevents the setting value from being changed unless the front door 1b is opened to prevent unauthorized setting confirmation when the front door 1b is not opened. You may. That is, the opening condition of the front door 1b and the operation of turning on the setting key switch 37 may be used as the start condition of the setting confirmation state. Further, even when the opening of the front door 1b is set as the start condition of the set value confirmation state, the opening/closing of the front door 1b does not have to be set as the end condition of the set value confirmation state.

Next, the initialization of the RAM 41c of the main controller 41 will be described. The storage area of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 is divided into important work, non-saved work, general work, special work, unused area, and stack area. The important work stores not only data that is inconvenient to initialize, such as various display and LED display data, I/O input/output data, and game time counters, but also the RT flag and RT remaining game count, which will be described later. It is a work to be done. The non-saved work is a work that holds the states of various switches, and the value is always set regardless of whether the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed at the time of startup. The general work is a work that stores data that can be initialized when the BB ends, such as a stop control table, a stop symbol, the number of medals paid out, the total number of medals paid out in the BB, and a game state flag. The special work is a work in which data that is initialized only before starting the setting, such as various software random numbers, is stored. The unused area is an unused area in the storage area of the RAM 41c, and is initialized if any one of a plurality of initialization conditions described later is satisfied. The stack area is an area in which the data saved from the register of the main control unit 41 is stored, and the unused stack area, like the unused area, has one of a plurality of initialization conditions described later. However, if satisfied, it will be initialized, but the stack area in use will not be initialized because the program continues.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 saves the data in the RAM 41c when the setting key switch 37 is turned on, when a RAM error occurs, when BB ends, and when the setting key switch 37 is turned off. When not destroyed, when five initialization conditions at the end of one game are satisfied, four types of initialization of different regions initialized according to each initialization condition are performed. Initialization 1 is the initialization performed before the setting key switch 37 is in the on state at the time of startup and when the setting change state is entered, or the initialization performed when a RAM error occurs. Then, in the storage area of the RAM 41c, all areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) except the important work and the used stack area, that is, the areas from the non-saved work to the unused stack area are initialized. It The initialization 2 is initialization performed at the end of the BB. In the initialization 2, in the storage area of the RAM 41c, the general work, the unused area and the unused stack area, that is, the area from the general work to the unused stack area is It is initialized. Initialization 3 is initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is off at the time of startup and the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed. In initialization 3, the initialization 3 includes a non-saved work, an unused area, and an unused area. The used stack area is initialized. The initialization 4 is initialization performed at the end of one game. In the initialization 4, the unused area and the unused stack area of the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized. In this embodiment, the initialization 1 is performed before the setting change state is transferred, but may be performed at the end of the setting change state, or both before the setting change state and at the end of the setting change state. You can

As described above, in this embodiment, when a RAM abnormality error occurs when the power is turned on, the initialization 1 is executed and the control state before that is initialized, but at this time, the important work is performed. The RT flag and the number of remaining RT games assigned to are retained without being initialized. On the other hand, the game state flag assigned to the general work will be initialized when the initialization 1 is executed.

Next, various control contents executed by the main control unit 41 in the present embodiment will be described below based on FIGS.

When the system reset signal is input from the reset circuit 49, the main control unit 41 performs the activation process (main) shown in FIG. First, the built-in device, peripheral IC, interrupt mode, stack pointer, etc. are initialized (step Sa2), and then the values of the I register and the IY register are initialized (step Sa3). By initializing the I register and the IY register, the address of the interrupt table referred to when the interrupt occurs is set in the I register, and the reference address for referring to the storage area of the RAM 41c is set in the IY register. .. These values are fixed values and are always initialized at startup.

Then, access to the RAM 41c is permitted (step Sa4), and the RAM parity of all storage areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) of the RAM 41c is calculated (step Sa5), and whether the calculated RAM parity is 0 or not. It is determined whether or not (step Sa6). If the power interruption interrupt process (main) is performed normally, the RAM parity should be 0. If the RAM parity is not 0 (step Sa6; N), the data stored in the RAM 41c is normal. Instead, in this case, after executing the initialization 1 for initializing all the storage areas of the RAM 41c except the used stack area and the important work (step Sa19), the setting key switch 37 is turned on. Whether the setting key switch 37 is on (step Sa20; Y), a setting change command indicating that the setting is being changed is generated (step Sa16), and the generated setting is determined. The changing command is stored in the command buffer (step Sa17), and the main control unit 41 permits the interrupt of the timer interrupt process (main) shown in FIG. 7 executed at regular intervals (interval of 0.56 ms) ( Step Sa18), a setting change process for changing the winning probability of the winning combination, that is, a setting change state. Then, when the setting change process ends, the game process shown in FIG. 6 starts.

On the other hand, if the setting key switch 37 is off (step Sa20; N), the error code indicating the RAM abnormality is set in the register (step Sa21), and the error command indicating the RAM abnormality is generated (step Sa22). The error command is stored in the command buffer (step Sa23), the interrupt of the timer interrupt process (main) is permitted (step Sa24), and the error process, that is, the RAM abnormal error state is entered. Then, when the RAM abnormal error state is released by, for example, operating the reset/setting switch 38 by a game shop clerk, the game process is started.

On the other hand, if the RAM parity is 0 (step Sa6; Y), it is further determined whether or not the destruction diagnosis data is normal (step Sa7). If the power failure process (main) is performed normally, the breakdown diagnosis data should have been set, and if the breakdown diagnosis data is not normal (the breakdown diagnosis data is stored at the time of power failure 5A ( (Other than H)) (step Sa7; N), since the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, initialization 1 is executed (step Sa19), and then the above-described steps Sa20, Sa16 to Sa18, Sa21 to Sa24 are executed. Perform processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the destruction diagnosis data is normal (step Sa7; Y), the data in the RAM 41c is normal, so the destruction diagnosis data is cleared (step Sa8), and the unsaved work in the RAM 41c. After performing initialization 3 for initializing the unused area and the unused stack area (step Sa9), it is determined whether the setting key switch 37 is on (step Sa10), and if the setting key switch 37 is on. (Step Sa10; Y), Initialization 1 is executed (Step Sa15), and then the above-described processes of Sa16 to Sa18 are executed, the setting change process is executed to shift to the setting change state, and the game process shown in FIG. Move to.

On the other hand, if the setting key switch 37 is off (step Sa10; N), each register is returned to the state before the power failure, that is, the state saved in the stack (step Sa11), and the return command is generated (step Sa11). Sa12), the command is stored in the command buffer (step Sa13), the interrupt of the timer interrupt process (main) is permitted (step Sa14), and the process returns to the last executed before the power interruption. If any of the game processes shown in FIG. 6 is being performed before the power is cut off, among the processes of steps Sd1 to Sd6 of the game process based on the value of the restored program counter (PC). , The process returns to the process performed before the power interruption (see step Sa11). Further, for example, if any of the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 7 was performed before the power interruption, the timer interrupt processing of the timer interrupt processing is performed based on the value of the restored program counter (PC). Among the processes of steps Sk1 to Sk26, the process returns to the process performed before the power interruption (see step Sa11).

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 instructs the sub control unit 91 a plurality of types including an internal winning command, a reel rotation start command, a reel stop command, a game state command, a return command, a setting change command, and an error command. Send a command. These commands consist of 1-byte type data indicating the type of command and 1-byte extension data indicating the contents of the command, and the sub-control unit 91 can determine the type of command from the type data.

The internal winning command is a command that can specify the winning status of the internal winning flag, the type of the internal winning flag that has been established, and whether or not the bonus is carried over, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated and the game starts. .. Further, since the internal winning command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated, it is possible to specify that the start switch 7 has been operated by receiving the internal winning command. The reel rotation start command is a command for notifying the start of reel rotation, and is transmitted when the reels 2L, 2C, 2R start rotating. The reel stop command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, the area number of the stop operation position of the corresponding reel, and the area number of the stop position of the corresponding reel. That is, it is transmitted every time the stop control accompanying the stop operation of each reel is performed. Since the reel stop command is transmitted when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated, it is possible to specify that the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R have been operated by receiving the reel stop command. ..

The game state command is a command that can specify the game state of the next game, the type of RT, and the number of remaining RT games, and is transmitted at the end of the game. An error command is a command that indicates the occurrence or cancellation of an error condition and the type of error condition.When an error is determined and the error condition is controlled, an error command indicating the occurrence of the error condition and its type is sent and reset. When the operation is performed and the error state is released, an error command indicating release of the error state is transmitted. The return command is a command indicating that the main control unit 41 has returned to the control state before the power failure, and is transmitted when the main control unit 41 returns to the control state before the power failure at the startup. The setting change command is a command indicating that the setting is being changed, and is transmitted at the time of shifting to the setting change state. Further, since the control state of the main control unit 41 is initialized with the transition to the setting change state, the control state of the main control unit 41 is initialized by the setting change command indicating that the setting is being changed. Can be specified.

The plurality of types of commands described above are temporarily stored in the command transmission buffer provided in the special work of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and are executed by the timer interrupt process (main) shown in FIG. 7 described later. It is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 in the transmission process (see step Sk16). As will be described later in detail, the sub control unit 91 that has received the return command and the setting change command determines whether or not the rising of the effect control board 90 is normal.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the game process, the main control unit 41, the BET process (step Sd1), the internal lottery process (step Sd2), the reel rotation process (step Sd3), the winning determination process (step Sd4), the payout process. (Step Sd5), the game end process (step Sd6) are sequentially executed, and when the game end process is completed, the process returns to the BET process again.

In the BET process of step Sd2, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the main control unit 41 clears the value of the BET counter in which the value of the bet number is stored in the RAM 41c (step Se1), and the regulation according to the gaming state. A number (a prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state, 1 is set when in the regular bonus, 3 is set when in the normal gaming state) is set in the RAM 41c (step Se2), based on whether or not a replay game flag indicating that the game is a replay game is set in the RAM 41c, it is determined whether or not the game is a replay game (step Se3).

When it is determined that the game is a replay game (step Se3; Y), the main control unit 41 increments the value of the BET counter by 1 (step Se4), refers to the bet amount specified in the RAM 41c, and sets the BET. It is determined whether or not the value of the counter is a prescribed number (step Se5). If it is not the specified number (step Se5; N), the main control unit 41 returns to step Se4, and if it is the specified number (step Se5; Y), sets the insertion prohibition flag indicating that the medal cannot be inserted in the RAM 41c ( The process proceeds to step Se6) and step Se8. When it is determined that the game is not a replay game (step Se3; N), the main control unit 41 makes settings before waiting for insertion (step Se7), and proceeds to step Se8. In the setting before the insertion waiting, the insertion prohibition flag set in the RAM 41c is cleared and the detection of the one-sheet BET switch 5, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, and the settlement switch 10 is validated.

After setting the throw-in prohibition flag or after setting before throwing-in wait, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the medal can be thrown in based on whether or not the throw-in prohibition flag is set in the RAM 41c ( Step Se8). When it is determined that the medal can be inserted (step Se8; Y), the main control unit 41 sets the flow path switching solenoid 30 to the on state, and sets the flow path of the medal as the path on the hopper tank side. When it is determined that the medal can not be inserted (step Se8; N), the flow path switching solenoid 30 is turned off, and the medal is turned on. The flow path is set as a path on the medal payout opening 9 side to prohibit insertion of a new medal (step Se10), and the process proceeds to step Se11.

After setting the state of the flow path switching solenoid 30, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the inserted medal sensor 31 has detected the passage of the inserted medal (step Se11). When the passage of the inserted medal is detected (step Se11; Y), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the medal can be inserted based on whether or not the insertion prohibition flag is set in the RAM 41c. Yes (step Se12). When the medal can be inserted (Se12; Y), the main control unit 41 refers to the specified number of bets set in the RAM 41c, and determines whether or not the value of the BET counter is the specified number. (Step Se13). If the value of the BET counter is not the specified number (step Se13; N), the main control unit 41 adds 1 to the value of the BET counter (step Se14), returns to the step of Se8, and the value of the BET counter is the specified number. If there is (step Se13; Y), 1 is added to the value of the credit counter in which the credit value is stored in the RAM 41c (step Se15), and it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is 50 which is the upper limit value ( Step Se16). If the value of the credit counter is not 50 (step Se16; N), the main control part 41 returns to step Se8, and if it is 50 (step Se16; Y), sets the disallowance flag in the RAM 41c (step Se17). , And returns to step Se8. On the other hand, when passage of the inserted medal is not detected (step Se11; N), or when the medal can not be inserted (step Se12; N), the main control unit 41 operates the start switch 7 It is determined whether or not it is detected (step Se18). When the operation of the start switch 7 is detected (step Se18; Y), the main control unit 41 refers to the specified number of bets set in the RAM 41c and determines whether or not the value of the BET counter is the specified number. The determination is made (step Se19).

The main control unit 41 returns to step Se8 if the value of the BET counter is not the specified number (step Se19; N), and if the value is the specified number (step Se19; Y), sets the throw-in prohibition flag in the RAM 41c, and The flow path switching solenoid 30 is turned off, the flow path of the medals is set as the path on the medal payout opening 9 side to prohibit the insertion of new medals (step Se20), and the setting at the start of the game is made (step Se21). Ends and returns to step Sd1 in FIG. In the setting at the start of the game, the detection of the operation of the one-sheet BET switch 5, MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, and settlement switch 10 is invalidated. Along with this, the setting of the number of bets based on the detection of the insertion of medals, the one-sheet BET switch 5 and the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is prohibited, and the settlement of credits based on the detection of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is prohibited. Becomes It should be noted that the non-insertable flag is not cleared until the BET process of the next game, and the detection of the operation of the single BET switch 5 and the MAXBET switch 6 is not cleared until the BET process of the next game. The setting of the number of bets will be prohibited until the BET process of. Further, the detection of the operation of the settlement switch 10 is not cleared until the BET processing of the next game except when the big bonus is won or when the big bonus is finished. (Including medals used for setting) will be prohibited. At the time of winning the big bonus or ending the big bonus, the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected when the game is finished (when the reels are stopped or when medals are paid out) without waiting for the next game BET processing. It becomes possible to settle credits.

On the other hand, when the operation of the start switch 7 is not detected (step Se18; N), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the operation of the one-sheet BET switch 5 is detected (step Se22). If the operation of the one-sheet BET switch 5 is detected (step Se22; Y), the main control section 41 refers to the specified number of bets set in the RAM 41c, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether the value is the specified number (step Se23). If it is the specified number (step Se23; Y), the main control unit 41 returns to step Se8. If it is not the specified number (step Se23; N), it determines whether the value of the credit counter is 0 (step S23). Step Se24). If it is 0 (step Se24; Y), the main control unit 41 returns to step Se8. If it is not 0 (step Se24; N), the value of the credit counter is decremented by 1 (step Se25), and the value of the BET counter is calculated. Is incremented by 1 (step Se26), and the process returns to step Se8.

On the other hand, when the operation of the one-sheet BET switch 5 is not detected (step Se22; N), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected (step Se27). If the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is detected (step Se27; Y), the main control unit 41 refers to the specified number of bets set in the RAM 41c, and the value of the BET counter is changed as shown in FIG. It is determined whether the number is the specified number (step Se28). If it is the specified number (step Se28; Y), the main control unit 41 returns to step Se8. If it is not the specified number (step Se28; N), it determines whether or not the value of the credit counter is 0 (step S28). Step Se29). If it is 0 (step Se29; Y), the main control section 41 returns to the step of Se8, and if it is not 0 (step Se29; N), the value of the credit counter is decremented by 1 (step Se30), and the BET counter of the BET counter is reset. The value is incremented by 1 (step Se31), and the process returns to step Se28.

On the other hand, if the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is not detected (step Se27; N), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the operation of the settlement switch 10 is detected (step Se32). If the operation of the settlement switch 10 is not detected (step Se32; N), the main controller 41 returns to step Se8, and if it is detected (step Se32; Y), the replay game flag is set in the RAM 41c. Whether or not the game is a replay game is determined based on whether or not (step Se33). If the game is a replay game (step Se33; Y), the main control unit 41 returns to step Se8, and if it is not a replay game (step Se33; N), determines whether the value of the BET counter is 0 or not. (Step Se34). If the value of the BET counter is 0 (step Se34; Y), the main controller 41 proceeds to step Se36, and if it is not 0 (step Se34; N), indicates that the already set bet amount is settled. The bet number adjustment flag is set in the RAM 41c (step Se35), and the hopper motor 34 is driven to pay out medals corresponding to the value stored in the credit counter or the BET counter, that is, the medals or bet number stored as credits. A settlement process is performed in which control for returning the medal used for the setting is performed (step Se36), the insertion prohibition flag set in the RAM 41c is cleared (step Se37), and the process returns to step Se8.

Returning to FIG. 6, in the internal lottery processing in step Sd2, is it possible to allow the winning of each winning combination described above based on the random number value for the internal lottery latched at the same time when the game is started by the detection of the start switch 7 (that is, display). Whether to permit the derivation of the result) or not. In this internal lottery process, the winning flag is set in the RAM 41c based on the respective lottery results. When the bonus (BB or RB) is won by the internal lottery, the bonus carry-over flag is set. Then, the presence/absence of a bonus carryover is determined by determining the presence/absence of a bonus carryover flag as described above, and the winning combination according to the presence/absence of a carryover (the bonus is excluded from the internal lottery during the bonus carryover) Judgment processing is performed.

In the reel rotation processing in step Sd3, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the wait time (4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the reel rotation start time of the previous game ( Step Si1). If the wait time has not elapsed (step Si1; N), the main control unit 41 repeats the process of step Si1 and waits until the wait time elapses, and if the wait time has elapsed (step Si1; Y). ), the wait time is newly set (step Si2), the start of rotation of the reel motor is set, and the rotation of the reel is started (step Si3). After starting the reel rotation, the main control unit 41 refers to the table index to identify the table creation data, and based on the identified table creation data, the game state of the game, the winning status of the winning combination, and other reels. A stop control table corresponding to the stop status of No. 1 is created for each reel that is rotating (step Si4), and the setting at the time of stop preparation completion is performed (step Si5). As a result, the stop operation can be enabled. After that, when the constant speed rotation of the reel is detected in the processing for passing the origin of the timer interrupt processing (main) described later, the stop operation is enabled. Becomes

After the setting at the time of completion of preparation for stop, the main control unit 41 determines whether the operation of any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected (step Si6), and the main control unit 41 determines which one. If the operation of the stop switch has not been detected (step Si6; N), it is determined whether a reel rotation error (an error determined when the reel reference position is not detected by the reel sensor 33 for a certain period or more) has occurred. (Step Si7). If the reel rotation error has not occurred (step Si7; N), the main control unit 41 makes a determination when the insertion of a medal is detected outside the insertion error (a period other than the period during which the insertion of the medal is permitted). It is determined whether or not an error has occurred (step Si8). If the insertion error has not occurred (step Si8; N), the main control unit 41 determines that the payout error (the error determined when the payout of the medal is detected outside the period during which the payout of the medal is permitted). It is determined whether it has occurred (step Si9). If the payout error has not occurred (step Si9; N), the main controller 41 returns to step Si6.

On the other hand, when a loading error or a dispensing error is determined (step Si8; Y, step Si9; Y), the main control unit 41 sets an error code indicating a loading/dispensing error during reel rotation in the register (step Si10 ), the process proceeds to error processing (step Si11), and when the error is released, the process returns to step Si6 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that a reel rotation error has occurred (step Si7; Y), the main control unit 41 sets an error code indicating the reel rotation error in the register (step Si12), and shifts to error processing (Si13). The rotation of the reel is also temporarily stopped, and when the error is released, the process returns to step Si3 to restart the rotation of the reel.

On the other hand, when the operation of any of the stop switches is detected (step Si6), the main control unit 41 causes the reel motor corresponding to the stop switch to have the number of steps from the reel reference position at that time (the stop operation position is reached). After acquiring the number of steps) and setting the work corresponding to the stop reel (step Si14), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop operation is stopped (step Si15). When the reel corresponding to the stop operation is not stopped (step Si15; N), the main control unit 41 repeats the process of step Si15, and when the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop operation is stopped (step Si15; Y). , It is determined whether or not all reels have stopped (step Si16). If all the reels are not stopped (step Si16; N), the main control unit 41 returns to step Si4, and if all the reels are stopped (step Si16; Y), the process is terminated and the process shown in FIG. Return to step Sd3.

As described above, in the reel rotation processing, after the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is started, the rotation of the reel in which the stop operation has not been detected is continued until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected. However, on condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, the control for stopping the display result on the corresponding reel is performed. Even when the reel rotation is temporarily stopped due to the reel rotation error, the stop operation is still detected after the reel rotation is restarted and until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected. If the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected, the reels that have not been rotated continue to be rotated, and control is performed to stop the display result on the corresponding reels.

Returning to FIG. 6, in the winning determination process in step Sd4, when it is determined that the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, the winning is determined according to the display result derived to each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. The process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed. When a bonus is won, the bonus carry-over flag is cleared in this process.
In the payout process in step Sd5, when it is determined that a prize has been generated, processes such as addition of credits and payout of medals are performed based on the number of payouts corresponding to the prize.
In the game end process in step Sd6, a process of setting a game state in preparation for the next game is executed. Further, in the game processing, a command is generated according to the progress control of the game, set in the command buffer, and transmitted to the sub control unit 91.

Further, the main control unit 41 interrupts the activation process and the game process at a constant interval (interval of 0.56 ms) and executes the timer interrupt process (main). Note that other interrupts are automatically prohibited during execution of the timer interrupt process (main). In the timer interrupt process (main), as shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 41 first saves the register in use in the stack area (step Sk1) and performs a power failure determination process (step Sk2). In the power failure determination process, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the voltage drop signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 48. Is input, and if the voltage drop signal is input even in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that there is a power failure, and the power failure flag indicating that is set. After the power failure determination process, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the power failure flag is set (step Sk3), and if the power failure flag is not set (step Sk3; N), various types are input from the input port. A port input process for inputting switch detection data is performed (step Sk4), and when the power interruption flag is set (step Sk3; Y), the process proceeds to the power interruption process (main) shown in FIG. 12 described later. To do.

After executing the port input process, the main control unit 41 increments the branch counter for identifying the timer interrupt to be executed in the timer interrupt process (main) from the four types of timer interrupts 1 to 4 (step Sk5). In the present embodiment, the timer interrupt 1 is a branch process during a timer interrupt that controls the motor to control the start of the reel. Processing is performed. Further, the timer interrupt 2 is a branch process during a timer interrupt that performs LED display control, time counter update, door open/closed state monitoring, output control of control signals and the like, and command and external output signal update. Specifically, the processes of steps Sk12 to Sk17 such as the LED dynamic display process described later are performed. Further, the timer interrupt 3 is a branch process during a timer interrupt for detecting the passage of the origin of the reel, monitoring the switch input, and reading the random number value. Specifically, the timer passage 3 will be described later. Steps Sk20 to Sk22, such as hourly processing, are performed. Further, the timer interrupt 4 is a branch process during a timer interrupt that detects the input of the stop switch and controls the stop of the reels. Specifically, the stop switch process described later is performed in steps Sk23 to Sk25. Processing is performed. In step Sk5, 1 is added when the branch counter value is 0 to 2, and updated to 0 when the counter value is 3. That is, the branch counter value is looped in the order of 0→1→2→3→0... Every time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed.

Next, the main control unit 41 refers to the branch counter value and determines whether it is 2 or 3, that is, the timer interrupt 3 or the timer interrupt 4 (step Sk6). In the timer interrupt 3 or the timer interrupt 4, If not (step Sk6; N), that is, in the case of timer interrupt 1 or timer interrupt 2, it is confirmed whether or not the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are starting up or are rotating at a constant speed, and the reel motor 32L, If the 32C or 32R is being started or is rotating at a constant speed, the motor phase signal that outputs the phase signal data changed in the motor step processing of step Sk10 described later or the phase signal data changed in the final stop processing of step Sk24 described later. Output processing is executed (step Sk7).

Next, the main control unit 41 refers to the branch counter value and determines whether it is 1, that is, whether it is a timer interrupt 2 (step Sk8), and when it is not the timer interrupt 2 (step Sk8; N). That is, in the case of the timer interrupt 1, the reel starting process (step Sk9) for controlling the step time interval at the time of starting the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, the change of the phase signal data of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R. The motor step processing (step Sk10) for carrying out the step, the motor phase signal standby processing (step Sk11) for changing the phase signal to the one-phase excitation after a certain time has elapsed after the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are stopped are sequentially executed, and the stack area The register saved in step S26 is restored (step Sk26), and the process returns to the process before the interrupt.

On the other hand, in the case of the timer interruption 2 (step Sk8; Y), the main controller 41 outputs data such as LED dynamic display processing (step Sk12) that dynamically lights various display devices, lighting signals of various LEDs and the like. Output processing such as control signal output to the port (step Sk13), time counter updating processing for updating various time counters (step Sk14), monitoring of the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25, door monitoring for requesting transmission of a door command, etc. Processing (step Sk15), command transmission processing for transmitting various commands such as setting change command, return command, and error command set in the command buffer to the sub-control unit 91 (step Sk16), external output for updating the external output signal After sequentially executing the signal updating process (step Sk17), the registers saved in the stack area are restored (step Sk26), and the process before the interrupt is returned to.

On the other hand, if the timer interrupt 3 or the timer interrupt 4 (step Sk6; Y), the main control unit 41 further refers to the branch counter value to determine whether or not it is 3, that is, whether or not the timer interrupt is 4. Is determined (step Sk18), and if the timer interrupt is not 4 (step Sk18; N), that is, if the timer interrupt is 3, the passing of the origin of the rotating reels 2L, 2C, 2R (pass of the reel reference position). Is checked to see if a reel rotation error has occurred and whether stop preparation is complete (whether a stop preparation completion code is set). If there is, the origin passing process for validating the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the spinning reel (step Sk20), determination of whether or not the detection state of the switches has changed, transmission request of the operation detection command, etc. are performed. After the switch input determination process (step Sk21) and the random number reading process (step Sk22) for reading the numerical data from the random number value register R1D and storing it in the random number storage work (step Sk22), the registers saved in the stack area are restored ( (Step Sk26), the process returns to the process before interruption.

On the other hand, if the timer interrupt 4 is set (step Sk18; Y), the main control unit 41 stops when the stop operation position is stored in the work on the stop reel in accordance with the detection of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R. A stop switch process (step Sk23) that determines the stop position from the stop operation position stored in the reel work and calculates the number of steps to stop, and the number of steps until the stop calculated by the stop switch process is counted. Then, a stop process for starting braking by two-phase excitation (step Sk24) when the time comes to stop, and a final stop process (step Sk25) for three-phase excitation after a fixed time from the start of braking in the stop process are sequentially performed. After the execution, the registers saved in the stack area are restored (step Sk26), and the process before the interrupt is returned.

As described above, in this embodiment, the timer interrupt process (main) is executed by interrupting the basic process at regular intervals, and the process counter (branch counter) is updated each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. However, the processing specified by the processing counter value is performed, the load required for one timer interrupt processing (main) can be distributed, and the voltage drop signal can be used based on the voltage drop signal regardless of the processing counter value. If a power failure is detected, the power failure determination process is performed to determine whether the power failure condition is satisfied. If the power failure condition is satisfied, the power failure process is performed. In this case, it is possible to promptly perform the power interruption process.

Also, in the timer interrupt process (main), it is determined whether or not the power interruption condition is satisfied, and if the power interruption condition is satisfied, it means that the power interruption process is directly performed. There is no interruption due to power interruption during execution of interrupt processing (main), so interrupt the power interruption during execution of timer interrupt processing (main), or timer interruption processing (main) Since it is not necessary to wait for the end of the process to perform an interrupt process associated with the power interruption, the process associated with the establishment of the power interruption condition is not complicated.

In addition, the main control unit 41 executes the power interruption process (main) when it is determined that the power interruption flag is set in the timer interrupt process (main) described above. As shown in FIG. 12, first, the main control unit 41 saves all the registers that may be used in the stack area (step Sm1). Although the values of the I register and the IY register described above are used, they are not saved here because the same fixed value is always set with the initialization at the time of startup. Next, the main control unit 41 sets the destruction diagnosis data (5A(H) in this embodiment) (step Sm2) and initializes all output ports (step Sm3). The main control unit 41 calculates and sets the RAM parity adjustment data so that the exclusive OR of all the storage areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) of the RAM 41c becomes 0 (step Sm4). , Access to the RAM 41c is prohibited (step Sm5). After that, in the main control unit 41, the voltage drops and the CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 stops and shifts to the standby state. When the voltage drops in this standby state, the operation is internally stopped. Therefore, the main control unit 41 surely stops operating when the power is cut off.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 controls the progress of the game. As operation switches, a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7, and stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are provided. The start switch 7 among these operation switches is also used for confirming the set value in the setting change state. The main control unit 41 detects these operation switches in a switch input determination process executed during a timer interrupt process (main) executed by interrupting at regular time intervals. Further, the main control unit 41 executes a start-up process when the power is turned on, an interrupt is permitted at the end of the start-up process, and then executes a timer interrupt process (main) at regular intervals. Then, when the main control unit 41 can return to the state before the power interruption, the return command is transmitted to the sub control unit 91 before the interrupt is permitted in the activation process. If the main control unit 41 cannot return to the state before the power failure due to an abnormality in the data stored in the RAM 41c, an error command indicating a RAM abnormality is issued before the interruption is permitted in the startup process. Sent to. Further, when the setting key switch 37 is in the on state and the RAM 41c is initialized and does not return to the state before the power failure, it indicates that the setting is being changed before the interrupt is permitted in the starting process. The setting change command is transmitted to the sub control unit 91. Among the commands transmitted in these startup processes, the return command specifies that the main control unit 41 returns to the state before the power failure, and an error command indicating a RAM abnormality, a setting change indicating that the setting is being changed. From the middle command, it is specified that the main control unit 41 does not return to the state before the power failure.

Further, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment, for example, the operation by the player (the insertion of medals, the operation of various switches in the game processing, the setting change, etc.), such as the processing of step Se11 (Se22, Se27, Se32) and Si6 described above. Interrupt 4) before determination of various switch operations in the state or setting confirmation state) The waiting process (interrupt n times waiting process for n=4) is executed. Further, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment also executes the interrupt four times waiting process even after generating (setting) the data for the external output signal to be output to the external device via the external output board 1000. The interrupt four-time waiting process of the present embodiment is a process of continuously executing the interrupt one-time waiting process shown in FIG. 13 four times.

As shown in FIG. 13, first, the main control unit 41 permits the interrupt of the timer interrupt process (main) in the interrupt once waiting process (step S101), and updates the random number value assigned to the RAM 41c. Random number update processing is executed (step S102), the RAM 41c is accessed to acquire the value of the branch counter (step S103), and it is determined whether or not the value of the branch counter has changed from the previously acquired value. Thus, it is determined whether or not the value of the branch counter has been updated (step S104). When the value of the branch counter is not updated (step S104; N), the main control unit 41 returns to the process of step S101 and repeats the processes of steps S101 to S104, and when the value of the branch counter is updated. (Step S104; Y), the process is terminated and the process returns to the interrupt four times waiting process.

As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 causes the main control unit 41 to perform a constant interval (0.56 ms) during execution of the activation process (main) shown in FIG. 5 and the game process shown in FIG. The timer interrupt process (main) shown in FIG. 9 is executed, and the branch counter value is 0→1→2→3→0... every time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. Are looped in the order of. Here, the processing (for example, the switch input determination processing, the command transmission processing, the external output signal update processing) performed in any of the timer interrupts 1 to 4 executed in the timer interrupt processing (main) is performed four times. The timer interrupt process (main) is performed every four times (interval of 2.24 ms) which is four times the constant interval (interval of 0.56 ms). For this reason, the main control unit 41 may, for example, before an operation (medal insertion, various switch operations) by a player is determined, after a command is generated and set (stored) in a command buffer, or an external output signal is output. After generating (setting) the data of (4), wait four times to execute the timer interrupt processing (main) (occurrence of interrupt), and execute the interrupt four times waiting processing. At this time, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the value of the branch counter has been updated in the interrupt once wait process executed in the interrupt four wait process, so that the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. It is determined whether or not it has been executed, that is, whether or not an interrupt has occurred once (see FIG. 13).

By doing so, the branch counter for identifying the timer interrupts 1 to 4 to be executed in the timer interrupt process (main) is set to the one-time interrupt executed in the activation process (main) or the game process. It can also be used to determine whether or not the timer interrupt process (main) is executed in the wait process (four interrupt wait process). As a result, it is possible to determine the occurrence of an interrupt while reducing the data storage capacity compared to a gaming machine that separately uses determination information for determining whether or not the timer interrupt process (main) has been executed in the interrupt once waiting process. It can be carried out.

Further, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 permits an interrupt each time the branch counter value is determined in the interrupt once waiting process.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unexpected situation in which execution of the timer interrupt process (main) is restricted when an interrupt occurs in the one-time interrupt process.

Further, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 updates the random number while it is determined whether or not the branch counter value has been updated in the once interrupt processing. ..
By doing so, it is possible to improve the efficiency of updating the random number as compared with the gaming machine that does not update the random number during the execution of the interrupt once waiting process.

Further, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 monitors the input state of the input signals of various switches in the timer interrupt process (main), and outputs the input information indicating the result of the input state. While executing the switch input determination process of storing (inputting the detection data) in the RAM 41c, it interrupts before determining the input state by referring to the input information (detection data) of various switches in the BET process, the reel rotation process, etc. Execute 1-time wait process (4 interrupt wait process).
By doing so, it is possible to prevent excessive reference to the stored input information. Specifically, when determining the operation of updating the display value of the set value display 24 by the reset/setting switch 38 or the input of the confirmation operation of the start switch 7 in the setting change state, the detection data of these switch operations is If the input is continuously monitored in an infinite loop (the input information of the RAM 41c is repeatedly accessed until the state of the input signal changes), the input information is repeatedly referred to by excessively referring to the input information. Become. Also, in this case, if the timer interrupt process (main) is executed at an unintended timing, the input determination of the detection data is interrupted due to the occurrence of an interrupt, or the input information is updated and read at the same time. There is a risk that the input determination may fail due to a failure in accessing the input information, and the input determination of the detection data may be performed halfway.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the interrupt once waiting process (interrupt four waiting process) is executed before the input judgment of various switch operations, and the process of simply accessing the input information in an infinite loop. Since it is not repeated, excessive reference to the stored input information can be prevented. Further, in the present embodiment, after the switch input determination processing of the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed, that is, the interrupt for storing the input information is determined to occur, the interrupt is input. It is possible to make an input determination of various switch operations at a timing that is not present, prevent an interrupt from being generated at an unintended timing in the input determination, and reliably perform the input determination.

Further, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 monitors the generation of data for the external output signal in the timer interrupt process (main) and updates the external output signal. While executing the update process, after generating data for an external output signal in the game process, an interrupt once wait process (interrupt four wait process) is executed.
By doing so, the game processing can proceed while ensuring that the external output signal is output to the external device. Specifically, when it is determined that the output of the external output signal is completed, if the timer or the like keeps waiting in an infinite loop until the external output signal is output (the timer of the RAM 41c is repeatedly accessed until the time is up). If the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed at an unintended timing, the time-out judgment is interrupted due to the occurrence of an interrupt, or the timer is updated and read at the same time, thus accessing the timer. May fail to determine the time-up, and the determination of completion of output of the external output signal (waiting until completion of output of the external output signal) may be halfway.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the interrupt once waiting process (interrupt four times waiting process) is executed after the data for the external output signal is generated, and the interrupt for outputting the external output signal is performed. It is possible to wait for the output of the external output signal by determining the occurrence of the jamming, and it is possible to execute the subsequent processing while ensuring that the external output signal is output.

Further, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes a command transmission process of transmitting various commands to the sub control unit 91 in the timer interrupt process (main), while performing a start process. After generating a command in (main) or game processing, an interrupt once waiting process (interrupt four waiting process) is executed.
By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the command has been transmitted and to proceed with subsequent error processing, setting change processing, and game processing. Specifically, when determining the completion of command transmission, if the time until a command is transmitted by a timer or the like is kept waiting in an infinite loop (when the timer of the RAM 41c is repeatedly accessed until the time is up), the timer If the interrupt process (main) is executed at an unintended timing, the determination of the time-up is interrupted due to the occurrence of an interrupt, or the timer access fails because the timer is updated and read at the same time. Therefore, the determination of the time-up may fail, and the determination of the completion of the command transmission (waiting until the completion of the command transmission) may be halfway.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the interrupt once waiting process (interrupt four times waiting process) is executed after the command is generated, and the occurrence of the interrupt for transmitting the command is determined, It is possible to wait for the transmission of the command, and it is possible to guarantee that the command has been transmitted and execute the subsequent processing.

Further, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, all the areas of the RAM 41c are configured by the backup RAM, and even if the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, all the contents of the RAM 41c are kept for a predetermined period. It is supposed to be saved. Further, the main control unit 41 executes initializations 1 and 3 in the startup processing (main), and in the initializations 1 and 3, an unsaved work, an unused area, and an unused stack area in the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized. As a result, the data used in the timer interrupt process (main) (for example, the buffer of the input port and the output port, the command buffer, etc.) is also initialized. Then, the main control unit 41 permits the execution of the timer interrupt process (main) after the execution of the initializations 1 and 3. That is, the generation of an interrupt is permitted after the data used in the timer interrupt process (main) is initialized.
By doing so, the data used in the timer interrupt process (main) is not initialized despite the initialization, and unintended processes are executed in the subsequent timer interrupt process (main). Can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, in the startup process (main) and the game process, the process after branching to the timer interrupts 1 to 4 (for example, switch input determination process, command transmission process, external output signal update process) is executed. Although the process of waiting (four interrupt waiting process) is executed, it is not limited to this, and the process of waiting for execution of the process (branch determination process or port input process) before branching to the timer interrupts 1 to 4 is executed. You may execute. In this case, the process before branching to the timer interrupts 1 to 4 is executed at a constant interval (interval of 0.56 ms) every time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed, so wait once for the interrupt. It suffices to execute the process once and wait for the occurrence of an interrupt. In order to control in this way, of the processing after branching to the timer interrupts 1 to 4, processing waiting for execution by waiting processing for four interrupts (switch input determination processing, command transmission processing) , External output signal update processing, etc.) must be executed at regular intervals (interval of 0.56 ms) every time the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed as processing before branching to timer interrupts 1 to 4. .. Specifically, it may be executed each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed, as in the normal command transmission process described later.
By doing so, the once-on-wait process is performed to ensure the execution of the port input process that is executed each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. As a result, it is ensured that, of the processes executed in the timer interrupt process (main), the process executed every time an interrupt occurs (the process before branching to timer interrupts 1 to 4). Then, the subsequent game processing and the like can proceed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in the activation process (main) and the game process, the interrupt four times waiting process is executed to wait for the execution of the switch input determination process, the command transmission process, and the external output signal update process. The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an interrupt four-time waiting process may be executed to wait for execution of reel control processing (stepping motor control processing) such as reel start processing, motor step processing, and motor phase signal standby processing. .. In addition, for example, the interrupt four times waiting process may be executed to wait for the execution of the LED illumination output control process such as the LED dynamic display process and the sensor detection process such as the door monitoring process.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends one type of internal winning command to the sub control unit 91, but may send a plurality of types of internal winning commands. The second embodiment for transmitting a plurality of types of internal winning commands will be described below.
In the present embodiment, detailed description of parts having the same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

When the AT is controlling, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment wins a notification target combination (navi target combination) according to the game state, thereby using the game auxiliary display 12 or the like to notify the navigation. And the first internal winning command, the second internal winning command, and the pressing order command are transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, the navigation effect by the sub-control unit 91 is executed.
In the present embodiment, a winning number is assigned in advance for each type of lottery target winning combination, and a lottery target winning combination that may be carried over, that is, a special role winning number table in which a winning number for each type of special winning role is set, A lottery target winning combination that is not carried over, that is, a general winning combination winning number table in which a winning number for each type of general winning combination is set is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41.

As shown in FIG. 14(A), in the special combination winning number table, outlying numbers “0”, BB “1”, and RB “1” are assigned. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14B, in the general combination winning number table, the winning number is "0" which is off, "1" which is normal replay, "2" to "7" which is replay GR1 to GR6, and replay. GR11 to GR16 "8" to "13", Replay GR21 to GR26 "14" to "19", strong cherry "20", weak cherry "21", watermelon "22", left bell 1 to 4 "23" to "26", middle bells 1 to 4 "27" to "30", right bells 1 to 4 "31" to "34", and a common bell winning number "35", respectively. ing.
As described above, in the special winning combination number table and the general winning combination number table, the lottery target combination of the internal lottery and the winning number are set in association with each other.

Further, in the special combination winning number table, outlying numbers “0”, BB “1”, and RB “1” are assigned as the transmission winning numbers. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14B, in the general winning number table, the winning numbers for transmission are "0" which is off, "1" which is normal replay, "2" which is replay GR1 to GR26, and which is strong cherry. “20”, weak cherry “21”, watermelon “22”, left bells 1-4, middle bells 1-4, right bells 1-4 “23”, common bell “35” are assigned respectively. There is.
As described above, in the special combination winning number table and the general combination winning number table, the push order combinations (replay GR1 to GR26, push order replay, left bells 1 to 4) as an example of the notification target combination (AT combination, navigation target combination) , Middle bells 1 to 4, right bells 1 to 4, push order bells) are selected corresponding to the lottery target winning combinations of the internal lottery and the winning numbers for transmission, while the push winning combinations are sent. Credit winning numbers are grouped and set.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes the internal lottery process when the start operation is performed, and when either one of the special winning combination and the general winning combination is won in the internal lottery, A winning number corresponding to the lottery target winning combination determined to be won is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, and when no winning combination is won, the winning number corresponding to the winning combination is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. The winning number indicating the winning of the general role is cleared at the end of each game, while the winning number indicating the winning of the special role is maintained until the winning special role wins, and the winning special role wins. Cleared.

After setting the winning number, the main control unit 41 executes the internal winning command setting process shown in FIG. 15, and based on the internal winning number set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c, the first internal winning command and the first internal winning command. The second internal winning command is set in the command queue, and the first internal winning command and the second internal winning command are transmitted to the sub control unit 91 by the subsequent timer interrupt processing (main). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the main control unit 41 acquires the winning number of the special winning combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery process (step Sf1), The transmission winning number to be transmitted to the control unit 91 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (step Sf2), and the first internal winning command is stored in the command queue based on the transmission winning number (step Sf3). In the internal lottery process, the winning number of the general winning combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is acquired (step Sf4), and it is determined whether the acquired winning number is less than 2 (step Sf5).

When it is not less than 2 (step Sf5; N), the main controller 41 determines whether it is less than 20 (step Sf6). When it is not less than 20 (step Sf6; N), the main controller 41 determines whether it is less than 23 (step Sf7). When it is not less than 23 (step Sf7; N), the main control unit 41 determines whether it is less than 35 (step Sf8). On the other hand, when the number is less than 2 (step Sf5; Y), less than 23 (step Sf7; Y), or 35 (step Sf8; N), the main control unit 41 acquires the information. The winning number is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c as a winning number for transmission to be transmitted to the sub control unit 91 (step Sf12). Further, when any one of 23 to 34 (step Sf8; Y), the main control unit 41 sets 23 in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c as a transmission winning number (step Sf9). In the case of any of 2 to 19 (step Sf6; Y), the main control unit 41 sets 2 in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c as the transmission winning number (step Sf11). After setting the transmission winning number of the general combination, the main control unit 41 stores the second internal winning command in the command queue based on the transmission winning number (step Sf10), and ends the internal winning command setting process. Return to main processing (main). The first internal win command and the second internal win command set in the internal win command setting process of the present embodiment are then executed by the timer interrupt process (main) after execution of the interrupt four times wait process. By doing so, it is sequentially transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends the first internal winning command to the sub-control unit 91 based on the special winning combination number table and the general winning combination number table. Or the second internal winning command is transmitted.
Here, in the conventional slot machine, the sub-control unit can specify an operation procedure that is advantageous to the player based on the internal winning command, regardless of whether the sub-control unit is controlled by the AT. If an illegal operation is made on the side, the advantageous operation procedure is specified from the internal winning command, and the operation procedure is notified by the sub-control section, even though the main control section has not decided to control the AT. There is a possibility that it will end.
On the other hand, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment, as an internal winning command that can specify the internal lottery result, a first internal winning command that can specify the winning situation of the special role as the internal lottery result and the general winning command. A second internal winning command that can specify the winning situation can be set, the set command can be transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, and the notification target combination can be set regardless of whether the AT is controlled. When the winning is achieved, the second internal winning command is set so that the notification target winning combination can be specified but the advantageous stop order cannot be specified.
By doing so, the common second internal winning command is transmitted regardless of whether or not the main control unit 41 is controlled by the AT. Therefore, the processing relating to the transmission of the second internal winning command can be performed. Since it is possible to simplify and the advantageous stop order according to the internal lottery result is not specified from the second internal winning command, it is advantageous for the player in a state where the sub control unit 91 side is not controlled by the AT even if an illegality is made. It is possible to prevent the stop order from being notified by the navigation effect.

Further, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the start operation is performed, the main control unit 41 performs an internal lottery, and outputs different winning numbers for each internal lottery result according to the internal lottery result. The internal winning flag is set, the navigation is informed, the command is created, and the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped and controlled according to the set winning number. Further, the main control unit 41 sets, as the internal winning command, a first internal winning command that can specify the winning status of the special combination and a second internal winning command that can specify the winning status of the general winning combination. In the configuration, the command is set and transmitted to the sub control unit 91. Here, the winning number when the notification target combination is won as the internal winning result is within a predetermined numerical range (the winning number of the push order replay as the notification target combination is 2 to 19, and the winning number of the push order bell is 23 to 34). Consecutive numbers consisting of are assigned. Further, the main control unit 41 executes the internal winning command setting process, and in a state other than the state in which the AT is controlled and the navigation notification is executed, the winning number set in the RAM 41c has the predetermined numerical range ( 2-19, 23-34), it is possible to specify that the winning combination has been notified, but set the second internal winning command that cannot specify the stop order advantageous to the player, and set the second internal winning command. The internal winning command is transmitted to the sub control unit 91.

By doing so, regardless of whether or not the main controller 41 controls the AT, the stop order advantageous for the player according to the internal lottery result is specified from the second internal winning command. Therefore, even if the sub-control unit 91 is illegal, it is possible to prevent the player from being notified of the stop order advantageous to the player in a state in which the AT is not controlled by the navigation effect.
Further, as the winning number set when the internal lottery result becomes the notification target combination, a continuous numerical value within a predetermined numerical range is assigned, and the main control unit 41 determines that the internal lottery result is the notification target combination. It is possible to determine whether or not the winning number used when performing the predetermined control is within the predetermined numerical range assigned to the notification target combination, and therefore the second internal winning command is transmitted. The processing when doing can be simplified.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the main control unit 41 includes a plurality of types in the sub control unit 91 including an internal winning command, a reel rotation start command, a reel stop command, a game state command, a return command, a setting change command, and an error command. , The control state command including the game state command may be transmitted. The third embodiment for transmitting the control status command will be described below.
In the present embodiment, detailed description of parts having the same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

At the start of the game, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment updates and updates various control states (for example, a game state and a state in which navigation notification is executed) with the start of the game. The control related to the game (for example, internal lottery, navigation notification, lottery related to advantageous state advantageous to the player, etc.) is performed based on the controlled state, and at the end of the game, the result of the game (for example, each reel). Various control states are maintained or updated according to the combination of symbols stopped in step 1, the result of the lottery regarding the advantageous state. Further, at the start and end of the game, a control state command capable of specifying various control states at that time is transmitted to the sub control unit 91. It should be noted that the control state includes a plurality of types of states that are uniquely set according to the game characteristics and design concept of each model of the slot machine 1, and the number of control state commands is the type of the control state. It is set according to the number.

As shown in FIG. 16, the control state command that can specify the control state is a control state that can specify the control state whose contents can change between the start and the end of the game of one unit among the control states. It includes a command 1 and a control state command 2 unique to the game and capable of specifying a control state whose content does not change between the start of the game and the end of the game.

In the control state command 1, a plurality of game state related commands capable of specifying the control state related to the game state in the main control section 41, and AT control as an advantageous state advantageous to the player during AT are performed. Includes a plurality of AT-related commands A capable of specifying the control state related to the presence of the AT, and a plurality of AT-related commands B capable of specifying the control state related to the non-AT, that is, the AT being not controlled. Accordingly, the control state command 2 includes a plurality of in-game unique information commands capable of specifying the control state unique to the game.

Further, the game state-related command is, for example, a command that can specify the game state in the main control unit 41, and if the game state is to be changed as a predetermined number of games are played, A command that can specify the number of games remaining until the controlled gaming state ends, if the gaming state is to be transferred by paying out a predetermined number of medals, it is controlled by the game. It includes a command or the like that can specify the number of medals remaining until the end of the gaming state. Further, the AT-related command A is, for example, a command that can specify the number of rights controlled by the AT as an advantageous state advantageous to the player, and the remaining game in which the control of the AT controlled by the game is continued. The command etc. which can specify the number are included. Further, the AT-related command B is, for example, a command capable of specifying the cumulative number of normal games played in the normal state after the control of the previous AT is finished, and the number of normal games played in the normal state is the predetermined number of games. When it is controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player by reaching, the command that can specify the number of games remaining until the advantageous state is controlled, the AT is given the right to be controlled, and the AT is controlled. It includes the number of games remaining until the start.

The in-game unique information command group is controlled by, for example, a command capable of specifying the winning situation of the AT lottery that determines whether or not the AT is given the right to be controlled as an advantageous state advantageous to the player. A command that can specify the addition status of the number of games, a command that can be determined according to the result of the internal lottery at the start of the game that can identify the stop order that is advantageous to the player, a command that is determined according to the internal lottery result at the start of the game Commands that can specify the type of effect (for example, a freeze state in which the progress of the game is delayed for a predetermined period, a reel effect performed using reels in the freeze state, an effect that suggests an internal lottery result, and the like).

One command transmitted from the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment to the sub control unit 91 is composed of 2 bytes (one set of two 1-byte communication data), and the first byte (MODE) is a command. It represents the classification, and the second byte (EXT) represents the content of the command. Each command included in the control status command is also composed of 2 bytes like other commands. In particular, as shown in FIG. 16, the MODE of each series of commands included in the control status command is transmitted. Are set to consecutive numerical values (B0 to CF in this embodiment) corresponding to the order of
It should be noted that the command form shown in this embodiment (a form in which two 1-byte communication data forms a set of commands) is an example, and another data form, for example, one communication data is 2 bytes or more. A form, a form in which one command is composed of one or three or more communication data, a form in which these forms are combined, and the like may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, the MODE of each command included in the control state command is a continuous numerical value obtained by the sequential addition process (the process of adding 1) from the initial value (B0), but other than the addition process. It may be a numerical value obtained by the calculation process (four arithmetic operations, etc.).

Further, in each command included in the control state command, the data indicating the specific content of the command to be transmitted as EXT to the sub control unit 91 is executed in the above-described main process and timer interrupt process (main). By various processes described above, the data is set in a predetermined data address area of the RAM 41c corresponding to each data, and the data address of each data becomes a continuous numerical value corresponding to the order of transmission, like the value of MODE. It is set and can be obtained by sequentially performing the addition process (the process of adding 1) from the initial value (the data address of the command transmitted first among the control state commands).

In the game start transmission command setting process executed at the start of the game and the game end transmission command setting process executed at the end of the game, the main control unit 41 executes control state update processing for updating the control state, and then A control state command batch setting process for collectively setting the above command group included in the control state command capable of specifying the control state in the command queue is executed. As shown in FIG. 17, in the control state command batch setting process, first, the main control unit 41 sets the MODE value set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c to an initial value (B0 in this embodiment) ( In step Sb1), the value of the data address set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to the initial value (the value of the address of the area in which the data of the game state related command is stored) (step Sb2), and the predetermined value of the RAM 41c is set. The value of the number of processes set in the area is set to the number of commands included in the control status command group (step Sb3). After setting the number of times of processing, the main control unit 41 sets the timer interrupt to disabled (step Sb4), sets the MODE of a predetermined area of the RAM 41c to the command queue (step Sb5) with the timer interrupt disabled, and sets the data The data stored in the area of the RAM 41c at the address corresponding to the value of the address is acquired, set as the EXT in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c (step Sb6), and the EXT is set in the command queue (step Sb7).

After setting the EXT, the main control unit 41 executes an interrupt once waiting process (step Sb8). In this embodiment, the normal time command transmission processing is executed every time the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed, and the data (MODE and EXT forming the command) set in the command queue is sub-controlled by 1 byte at a time. The information is transmitted to the section 91. Therefore, the normal command transmission process is executed by executing the one-time waiting process, and the MODE that is set first in MODE and EXT set in the command queue is the first byte of the command. Is transmitted to the sub control unit 91. After the completion of the interrupt once waiting process, the main control unit 41 executes the interrupt once waiting process again (step Sb9). As a result, the EXT set later is transmitted to the sub control unit 91 as the second byte of the command by the normal command transmission process. After executing the one-time interrupt process, the main control unit 41 adds 1 to the value of MODE (step Sb10), adds 1 to the value of data address (step Sb11), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of times of processing (step Sb11). Sb12), it is determined whether or not the value of the number of remaining processes after subtraction is 0 (step Sb13), and it is determined whether MODE and EXT have been set for all the commands in the control state command group. When the value of the remaining number of times of processing is not 0 (step Sb13; N), the main control unit 41 returns to step Sb4 and repeats the processing of steps Sb5 to Sb7. When the value is 0 (step Sb13; Y), the processing is performed. finish.

Therefore, when transmitting a plurality of commands included in the control status command, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment sets a set of MODE and EXT that compose one command in the command queue in the interrupt-disabled state. After that, wait for the timer interrupt process (main) to be performed once. By executing the interrupt once wait process twice consecutively (performing the interrupt twice wait process), the timer interrupt process (main) will be executed. By executing the command queue MODE and EXT two times and transmitting the command queue MODE and EXT to the sub-control unit 91, a set of unit data (MODE and EXT of 1 byte each) forming one command is transmitted in succession. It's supposed to repeat.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 can transmit a plurality of commands including the control state command indicating the control state of the game, and the sub control unit 91 The control state on the main control unit 41 side can be specified according to the reception of the command to control the effect. Further, the main control unit 41 generates a command according to the progress of the game and stores it in the command queue, and stores it in the command queue in the normal command transmission process that is periodically executed by the timer interrupt process (main). Command is transmitted to the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, for example, in order to make the sub-control unit 91 grasp the control state on the main control unit 41 side in detail, the control state changed every time the control state changes on the main control unit 41 side is shown. If a plurality of types of control status commands are to be transmitted each time, a plurality of commands will be concentrated in a short period of time, and the command queue may overflow, making it impossible to transmit all commands.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, one command transmitted by the main control unit 41 is composed of 1-byte MODE and 1-byte EXT, and the main control unit 41 sends commands according to the progress of the game. MODE and EXT of the command queue are set and set in the command queue, and thereafter, every time the timer interrupt processing (main) is periodically executed, the MODE and EXT set in the command queue are byte by byte in the sub control unit 91. In the control state command batch setting process for transmitting a plurality of types of commands included in the control state command to the sub-control unit 91, one command included in the control state command is transmitted. To do this, after creating MODE and EXT of the command and setting it in the command queue, wait for the timer interrupt process (main) to execute once, and then execute the wait once interrupt process (twice interrupt) By executing the waiting process), the control progress is waited for a period required for transmitting the MODE and EXT of the command set in the command queue, and thus the MOED and EXT of the command are controlled by the sub control unit. This prevents another command from being newly set in the command queue while it is not transmitted to 91. Therefore, the command queue does not overflow due to MODE and EXT of the newly created command, and the control state command can be reliably transmitted to the sub control unit 91.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 that controls the game as the first control unit can send a command to the sub control unit 91 that controls the effect as the second control unit. However, the first control means is a control means for transmitting control information such as a command to the second control means, and the second control means is based on the control information transmitted from the first control means. Any control means for performing some kind of control may be used. As the first control means, a control other than the game control, for example, a control means for controlling the effect is applied, and as the second control means, for example, the first control means. When the control means is the control means for controlling the effect, the control means for controlling the effect device may be applied based on the control information transmitted from the first control means.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 includes a command included in the control state command in the control state command batch setting process for transmitting a plurality of types of commands included in the control state command to the sub control unit 91. Is set in the command queue, and then the interrupt once waiting process is executed twice to wait for the progress of control for the period required for transmitting MODE and EXT set in the command queue. After the command included in the control state command is set in the command queue, it may be configured so as to wait for the progress of control for a period longer than a predetermined period required for transmitting MODE and EXT set in the command queue, For example, a configuration in which the control progress is waited for a predetermined period of time or more by executing the interrupt once waiting process three times or more, and a timer that measures the elapsed time after setting one command in the command queue And a new command is set in the command queue when a time longer than a predetermined time required for the timer interrupt processing (main) to be performed twice is measured by the timer. Thus, the progress of control can be made to wait for a period of time longer than or equal to the predetermined period required for one command to be transmitted.

In the present embodiment, the command transmitted by the main control unit 41 is a 2-byte command composed of MODE and EXT, and in the timer interrupt process (main), the MODE and EXT set in the command queue are set to 1 Although the bytes are transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 one by one, in the timer interrupt process (main), the number of commands set in the command queue for each predetermined cycle is less than the total capacity of the data forming the commands. In the configuration in which the capacity is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 as the second control unit, the main control unit 41 as the first control unit sets all the data making up the command in the command queue and then the timer. A configuration may be adopted in which the progress of control is waited for a period required for transmitting all the data constituting one command by the interrupt processing (main). Even in such a configuration, the configuration of the present embodiment is also possible. The same effect as can be obtained.

The main control unit 41 of the present embodiment is configured to transmit MODE and EXT which form the command set in the command queue in the timer interrupt process (main) one byte at a time, and in the control state command batch setting process. , After setting a set of MODE and EXT that compose one command included in the control status command in the command queue, wait once interrupt processing to wait until the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed once. By executing the command twice, the progress of the control of the game is waited for a period required for transmission of one set of MODE and EXT forming one command. By executing the common interrupt waiting process used a plurality of times, the progress of the game control is put on standby, so that the program capacity related to the standby can be reduced.

In the timer interrupt process (main), the main control unit 41 according to the present embodiment transmits MODE and EXT that form the command set in the command queue in the timer interrupt process (main) byte by byte. , Update the output state of the switches such as the start switch 7 and the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R, refer to the output state of the corresponding switch in the subsequent main processing, and control the progress of the game based on the output state. In the configuration, when controlling the progress of the game in the main process, the output state of each switch after executing the interrupt once waiting process that waits until the timer interrupt process (main) is executed once In the control state command batch setting process executed in the main process, a set of MODE and EXT that compose one command included in the control state command is set in the command queue, and then the timer interrupt process is performed. By executing the interrupt waiting process twice, which waits until (main) is executed once, the progress of the control of the game is progressed over the period required for transmission of one set of MODE and EXT that form one command. Since it is made to wait, the progress of the game control is made to wait by executing the common interrupt waiting process, which is also used in the process of detecting the operation of the switches, as a process other than the control state command batch setting process. Therefore, the program capacity related to standby can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes the interrupt once waiting process for determining whether or not the branch counter is updated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the interrupt process is executed. As long as the process identification information (branch counter or the like) that is updated to identify the process to be performed is used, even if the sub-control unit 91 and other control units execute the same interrupt once waiting process. Good.

In the above embodiment, the operation procedure that is advantageous to the player can be identified by both the navigation notification controlled by the main control unit 41 side and the navigation effect controlled by the sub control unit 91 side. The operation procedure advantageous for the player may be identified only by the navigation notification controlled by the main control unit 41 side, or the operation procedure advantageous for the player may be performed only by the navigation effect controlled by the sub control unit 91 side. The configuration may be such that they can be identified.
In the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 41 controls the AT or the like as a privilege advantageous to the player, but the sub-control unit 91 performs a part or all of the control related to the privilege advantageous to the player. It may be configured to perform.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the slot machine in which the bet number is set by using the medal and the credit as the game value is explained, but the bet number is set by using the game ball as the game value. The present invention may be applied to a slot machine for playing, or a full credit type slot machine in which a bet amount is set by using only credits as a gaming value.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the use of any one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls, and for example, a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls can be used together. May be That is, it is possible to set the number of bets and play the game using any of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls, and to generate a plurality of types of games such as medals and game balls when a winning occurs. You may apply the slot machine which can pay out any of the utility values.

Further, although the slot machine has been described as an example of the gaming machine in the above-described embodiment, the configuration disclosed in the above-described embodiment, in particular, the configuration of the one-time waiting processing, can be applied to another gaming machine, for example, a game ball in a game area. When a game is played by firing the game ball, the game ball that is fired enters the winning opening provided in the game area and a prize is generated, so the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. May be. When applied to a pachinko gaming machine, the random number updated in the random number update process (see step S102 in FIG. 13) is, for example, a predetermined random number (display random number) used for controlling variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols. May be

1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reels, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 41 main controller, 41a CPU, 41c RAM, 91 sub controller, 1000 external output board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine for playing a game,
A game control process executing means for executing a game control process for controlling a game,
An interrupt process execution means for executing the interrupt process by interrupting the game control process being executed,
Process identification information updating means for updating process identification information for identifying a process to be executed in the interrupt process, in association with execution of the interrupt process;
Process selecting means for selecting a process corresponding to the process identification information as a process to be executed in the interrupt process;
An interrupt standby process executing means for executing an interrupt standby process for waiting until a predetermined number of times of the interrupt process is executed in the game control process,
An interrupt determination means for determining whether or not the interrupt process is executed in the interrupt standby process,
A game machine, wherein the interrupt determination means determines whether or not the interrupt process is executed by determining whether or not the process identification information is updated.

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